Hi everyone, welcome back to Tune In! In terms of music news it’s been a hectic week, from celebrity scandals, tour cancellations, rumoured breakups and so much more! Please kick back and relax, as I walk you through your weekly roundup of music news!
English Teacher Win 2024 Mercury Prize:
One of the most notable honours in England has been presented to English Teacher. The 2024 Mercury Prize winner is the Leeds post-punk band, who won for their exceptional debut album ‘This Could Be Texas.’
The British Phonographic Industry and the British Association of Record Dealers present the Mercury Prize to one UK and Irish record annually. The level of competition made English Teacher’s victory all the more impressive: among the other songs that made the shortlist were Charli XCX’s ‘Brat,’ Nia Archives’ ‘Silence Is Loud,’ Beth Gibbons of Portishead ‘Lives Outgrown’, and the Last Dinner Party’s ‘Prelude To Ecstasy.’
Franz Ferdinand Return With Long Awaited Sixth Album
Franz Ferdinand has made a comeback with their daring new single ‘Audacious’ and revealed information about their strongly anticipated sixth album ‘The Human Fear,’ as well as dates for their UK and European tour. On January 10, 2025, ‘The Human Fear,’ their first studio album since the critically praised and dance-oriented ‘Always Ascending,’ will be released.
The band are set to embark on a headline tour in February and March of 2025, with date at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush and Glasgow’s infamous Barrowlands! Tickets are on general sale from the 20th of this month!
Richard Ashcroft Announces Two New 2024 UK Gigs
Richard Ashcroft has announced two more headline performances this year, coming off of outstanding hometown performances at Wigan’s Robin Park Arena. The first is a performance on October 25 at London’s legendary Royal Albert Hall, and the second is a performance two days later at Wolverhampton’s Civic Hall.
Unlike many of Ashcroft’s past performances, the London show “promises to be a very special evening” for fans as the singer-songwriter takes the stage with a string section. Tickets go on sale this coming Friday.
Jack White Announces Intimate UK shows
An intimate tour of the UK has been confirmed by Jack White, with all dates scheduled for later this week. It is a celebration of his recently released album ‘No Name,’ the soloist and former vocalist of White Stripes’ sixth studio album, which was an unanticipated release.
On Friday, September 13th, the first of the three performances will take place at London’s Islington Assembly Hall. Then, on the following night, they have a gig in Liverpool’s O2 Academy and the next day, they make a last visit at Chalk in Brighton.
What Have I Been Listening To This Week?
I Think – Esmeralda Road : Esmeralda Road, an emerging band from Belfast, 2024 track is a disorienting jazz-like song titled ‘I Think.’ ‘I Think’ is an energetic track that is full of brass percussion, breakbeat rhythms, and belting vocals. It is a hearty single.
Red – Catfish and the Bottlemen : ‘Red’ is up their as one of my favourite tracks by Catfish. The chorus is elevated by the amazing driving guitar riffs and shattering drum beats. It’s among their most glaringly underappreciated tracks.
The Things I Do – Inhaler : ‘The Things I Do,’ from the band’s second album ‘Cuts & Bruises,’ is a welcome departure from the earlier, more melancholic tracks and a nod to the band’s rock beginnings.
Holding My Breath – Paddy Keyes : Rising Irish musician Paddy Keyes examines the predicament that arises when a friend betrays their partner in his song ‘Holding My Breath.’ The song tackles what to do when presented with a difficult position and divided between devotion to one’s morals. His vocals are really amazing on this song.
My Favourite Room – Blossoms : I’ve not been able to get this track out of my head since Wythenshawe Park! The acoustic guitar and well-placed percussion provide the main instrumental tone. This unique sound fits well with this melancholic, introspective piece that offers closure for a past relationship.
See you next week!
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